Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[jasonlulu_2000]

He says our relation with others often becomes clearly defined when money enters the picture. You might have wonderful friendship with somebody and you think that you are very good friend. But you will know him only when you ask him to lend you some money. If he does, it brings something to the relationship that seems stronger than ever before. ___it can suddenly weaken the relationship if he doesn't.
A. But B. Otherwise

The answer given is B. I think A is better than B since otherwise=if not, which is already shown by saying "if he doesn't"at the end of the passage.
Am i right?


2. His words angered many western govenments, but Mahathir doesn't care. He explained, " i like to speak my mind. sometimes people don't like it. But that is what leadership is all about."

What does "that is what leadership is all about" mean in this context?


Thanks

[pugachevV]

I'm with you on this. I would naturally use "but" in this sentence, although one of the meanings of otherwise is "alternatively" and it would fit here.

Mahathir means that if you are a leader, you should have the courage be honest, even if it people don't like it.